While many professional athletes earn substantial salaries, the majority do not make tens of millions of dollars annually. For example, the minimum salary in the NBA is approximately $1 million per year, and in the NFL, it is around $795,000. These figures are indeed significant and can provide a comfortable lifestyle, but they are modest compared to the multi-million dollar contracts of top-tier superstars in their respective sports. Only a small percentage of athletes reach the highest earning levels, often through endorsements and sponsorships, which can significantly boost their income. Therefore, although athletes can earn a lot, the extent of their earnings varies widely depending on their skill level, popularity, and the sport they participate in.